Katharine McPhee

Singer / Talent Show Contestant

Born: 25 March 1984

Birthplace: Sherman Oaks, California

Best known as: 2006 American Idol runner-up

Katharine McPhee is a singer who became famous on the 2006 season of the TV talent contest American Idol: The Search for a Superstar. A native of Sherman Oaks, California (a Los Angeles suburb), McPhee graduated in 2002 from Notre Dame High School. She briefly studied musical theater at the Boston Conservatory, then returned to southern California and became active in local theater. A young brunette who sings in the style of Joss Stone and Alicia Keys, her fans' "McPheever" couldn't overcome the "Soul Patrol" that supported winner Taylor Hicks, and McPhee placed second overall in the televised contest. Her 2006 hit singles, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "My Destiny," paved the way for her self-titled debut album, released in early 2007.